Emperor Akihito was the 125th Emperor of Japan, reigning from 1989 until his abdication in 2019. He was the first Japanese emperor to abdicate in over two centuries, citing his declining health as a reason. Akihito was known for his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation, as well as his deep connection to the Japanese people. During his reign, Akihito and his wife, Empress Michiko, worked to modernize the imperial family and engage with the public. They visited disaster-stricken areas and expressed empathy during times of national crisis, earning respect and admiration from many in Japan and around the world.